Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
A circular argument can be defined as 'A is true because A is true'.
True
The statement 'to use textbooks with profane words is immoral because it is not right for children to hear them' is an example of circular reasoning.
True
Dylan provided strong evidence for his claim about the college being paternalistic.
False
Mr. Goolsby's alleged lack of competence is used as a reason for his incompetence in a circular argument.
Signup and view all the answers
To avoid circular reasoning, one should ensure that premises do not simply restate the conclusion.
Signup and view all the answers
Calling attention to a conclusion assumed to be true can be an effective way to attack circular reasoning.
Signup and view all the answers
The example 'reading is fun because it brings me enjoyment' does not follow the structure of circular reasoning.
Signup and view all the answers
Personal beliefs about the truth of a claim can serve as valid evidence in an argument.
Signup and view all the answers
Circular arguments can sometimes appear complex and may be missed if one is not careful.
Signup and view all the answers
An effective counterexample can demonstrate the fallacious nature of circular reasoning.
Signup and view all the answers
The arguing-in-a-circle fallacy asserts something in the premise that is also stated in the conclusion.
Signup and view all the answers
A valid argument can simultaneously serve as its own evidence without any external support.
Signup and view all the answers
An example of a circular argument is claiming that God exists simply because one fears going to hell.
Signup and view all the answers
The circularity of an argument is always easy to detect when the premise and conclusion are closely related.
Signup and view all the answers
A premise that assumes the conclusion is always explicitly stated in a circular argument.
Signup and view all the answers
Using the phrase 'because it is true' is a common method of stating a circular argument.
Signup and view all the answers
All arguments that contain premises leading to their own conclusions are considered circular.
Signup and view all the answers
Circular arguments can only exist in verbal statements and are not present in written texts.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Definition of Circular Argument
- Circular argument asserts the conclusion implicitly or explicitly in its premises.
- Uses its own conclusion as a premise instead of providing external evidence.
- Commonly encountered fallacy that does not offer valid reasoning.
Structure of Circular Reasoning
- Basic structure:
- Premise: Since A
- Conclusion: Therefore, A
- Fails to provide evidence beyond a restatement of the conclusion.
Examples of Circular Reasoning
- Argument asserting a position true "because it is true" without supporting evidence.
- Example: Argument for God’s existence due to fear of hell implies belief in God already.
Detection of Circular Arguments
- Real cases often disguise circular reasoning within more complex arguments.
- Difficulty in recognizing circular reasoning increases with distance between premises and conclusion.
Implicit Assumptions
- Premises may assume the truth of the conclusion, leading to hidden circularity.
- Example: Claiming that using vulgar textbooks is immoral by equating “not right” with “immoral”.
Specific Illustrative Examples
- Dylan's argument: Defines “paternalistic” without providing reasons, failing to argue effectively.
- Mr. Goolsby’s incompetence: Claims of bias and incompetence are circularly linked without providing distinct reasoning.
Strategies to Address Circular Reasoning
- Scrutinize arguments for premises that mirror the conclusion.
- Clearly outline arguments in standard form to identify circularity.
- Use counterexamples to highlight fallacious reasoning.
Key Takeaway
- Personal beliefs are not sufficient evidence in arguments; must provide supporting claims separate from the conclusion itself.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores the definition and structure of circular arguments, highlighting their reliance on premises that restate the conclusion. Through examples and detection methods, you will learn to identify hidden circular reasoning. Test your understanding of this common logical fallacy.
